Denver, CO personal injury lawyer George McLaughlin shares his advice for clients faced with electric blanket fire and thermal burn injuries. He explains that whenever someone—or another lawyer—contacts him regarding a client who has sustained a burn injury from an electric blanket, his first inquiry is always about the manufacturer. Typically, a label on the underside of the product provides essential information, including the manufacturer’s name. In this case, the label identifies Sunbeam Products, Incorporated as the manufacturer. Alphanumeric codes on the label also indicate the product’s manufacturing date, which is critical for determining the blanket’s age and assessing potential defects.

He stresses the importance of clients preserving the product when a thermal burn injury occurs. If a client discovers a burn upon waking, he advises them to immediately discontinue use, safely package the electric blanket, and send it for professional examination.

In situations involving fires, he emphasizes the necessity of prompt notification. If an electric blanket is suspected as the source of a fire, he, often in coordination with a fire investigator, must be alerted immediately. This ensures that the fire scene can be inspected before it is disturbed, allowing for proper collection of evidence. While this step does not always occur, it is essential for preserving critical evidence. He advises that whenever a fire may be linked to an appliance, clients contact a product liability attorney without delay to guide them through the process and secure evidence that local investigators may not guarantee will be preserved.